FBS Ranking(MAC)
Blocked Kicks Allowed 95(11)
Red Zone Offense 70(7)
Rushing Offense 62(8)
Sacks Allowed 85(8)
Tackles for Loss Allowed 115(12)
Fewest Penalties Per Game 127(12)

I hate hearing the excuse that we have had injuries. To my knowledge we lost 2 linemen to injuries this year (Berg & Dumont). We have 20 linemen on our roster, so where are the remaining 13? Where is the development in terms of technique, execution and strength?

Looking back at this year, had we the typical OL say before JC we would be undefeated! I hear the comment, you win in the trenches so what are we doing about that coach?

The lack of depth was a big red flag to me. Ok, bad luck losing the two starting tackles to injury, but apparently there was no one in the wings able to fill in. Ateman played about a minute and a half, and then needed to move the best guard out to one tackle and relied on a very late DII grad transfer to take the other spot. What would have happened without Gurman transferring in?

This year's roster had only 3 seniors and 2 juniors on the OL, and that includes Gurman. The 2020 class had 3 OT and 1 OG, but one of the tackles is not on the roster (yet?). The 21 verbal class has 2 OG a center and 1 OT.

But I'm not sure it is all about the players. Seems like a lot of the time players didn't know who to block, and that's on the coaching. The CMU blitzes confused the OL most every time. I seem to remember one play form a few weeks ago where Harris literally bottled up 3 defenders by himself, and the play still got blown up in the backfield. Also, sometimes it seems like Candle is married to the same plays regardless of personnel, and doesn't necessarily adjust to calls that might take some pressure off the OL. Can't remember a jet sweep or reverse or more than a handful of screens, which all used to be staples of the Rocket offense.

We can't blame this on losing a couple of starters. The OL is like a sieve. I doubt I am the only one that watches a game and every time the QB drops back, it looks like we are always within a split second of a sack. We also seem to have the smallest "pocket" in all of college football. Every pass looks like it is going to be interrupted by an OL'man getting shoved into the QB - or it will just get batted down. Just wondering what happened to all the excitement about some of the guys that were recruited. Wasn't Kelvin Ateman supposed to be a big time player with plenty of size. Is he also out with an injury? What about Josh Fenn? Not playing this year? Somebody (like the head coach) should be doing a thorough review of the stats and the performance grade outs along the OL. I doubt this is from lack of talent or size.

Also - what happened to Devonte Dunn this year? Has he played at all? Did he quit, opt out because of Covid, or get injured? Haven't heard anything on him and can't really see if he is in uniform along the sideline somewhere. I was impressed with him as a freshman, but he seemed to drop off last year, and I don't recall seeing him in any game this year.

Agree about the depth as regards injuries. Next man up!
I've wondered, too, at times, whether strength and conditioning is where it needs to be.

I still think it’s either the lack of original thinking when drawing up these plays or the opponent knows what’s coming. It was mentioned the calling of the same plays. That’s what I’m saying too. We finally ran rpo and the QB kept the ball. Bradley gained some yardage and guys on the radio were even surprised. They didn’t even see it at first

(12-13-2020 08:08 PM)Babes boy Wrote:  I still think it’s either the lack of original thinking when drawing up these plays or the opponent knows what’s coming. It was mentioned the calling of the same plays. That’s what I’m saying too. We finally ran rpo and the QB kept the ball. Bradley gained some yardage and guys on the radio were even surprised. They didn’t even see it at first

And we got to the point where everyone knew that when Finn came in the game, it was only for him to run the ball. That needs to change next season. He should come in for 3 or 4 plays a game, and at least 1 should be a pass play. Need to create some indecision for the opposing D.

(12-13-2020 08:26 PM)bcunn3128 Wrote:  

(12-13-2020 08:08 PM)Babes boy Wrote:  I still think it’s either the lack of original thinking when drawing up these plays or the opponent knows what’s coming. It was mentioned the calling of the same plays. That’s what I’m saying too. We finally ran rpo and the QB kept the ball. Bradley gained some yardage and guys on the radio were even surprised. They didn’t even see it at first

And we got to the point where everyone knew that when Finn came in the game, it was only for him to run the ball. That needs to change next season. He should come in for 3 or 4 plays a game, and at least 1 should be a pass play. Need to create some indecision for the opposing D.

Or move him to a slot-type position although I doubt that he would agree to the move. If he's that athletic get him into the game.

(12-13-2020 11:12 PM)wetsu Wrote:  

(12-13-2020 08:26 PM)bcunn3128 Wrote:  

(12-13-2020 08:08 PM)Babes boy Wrote:  I still think it’s either the lack of original thinking when drawing up these plays or the opponent knows what’s coming. It was mentioned the calling of the same plays. That’s what I’m saying too. We finally ran rpo and the QB kept the ball. Bradley gained some yardage and guys on the radio were even surprised. They didn’t even see it at first

And we got to the point where everyone knew that when Finn came in the game, it was only for him to run the ball. That needs to change next season. He should come in for 3 or 4 plays a game, and at least 1 should be a pass play. Need to create some indecision for the opposing D.

Or move him to a slot-type position although I doubt that he would agree to the move. If he's that athletic get him into the game.

Would love to see Finn on the field more. Get the ball to your play makers.
He had the legs. Let’s see if he’s really a play maker. But then maybe he’s not interested in anything but QB

(12-13-2020 11:52 AM)Toledo Football 1st Wrote:  Agree about the depth as regards injuries. Next man up!
I've wondered, too, at times, whether strength and conditioning is where it needs to be.

Probably so, but future Toledo OL recruiting needs to get the Greco’s, Manz’s, and Kazur’s of the world...

Our successful teams = great offensive lines.

Our lines from about ‘97 to 2005 averages close to 310 and where much thicker. I don’t equate size to greatness but our current lines look undermanned. We never used to fail eyeball tests. We better get this fixed

Several times When Finn was pulled after only one play, the reaction on his face wasn’t very positive. If this years play doesn’t count, I would be very surprised to see Finn back in Toledo next fall. In reality I don’t think he is going to play very much, and I think he probably is thinking the same.

Both QBs that have played have shown legs and good judgement when to use them. Why is Finn believed to be better in this department? Freeze him in the pocket, make sure he has the patience to direct the offense and get his skill players involved. I fell it's passing and directing he needs working on if he's to contribute in the future.

(12-15-2020 10:27 PM)Somersetco Wrote:  Several times When Finn was pulled after only one play, the reaction on his face wasn’t very positive. If this years play doesn’t count, I would be very surprised to see Finn back in Toledo next fall. In reality I don’t think he is going to play very much, and I think he probably is thinking the same.

Absolutely agree. Does not look like a D-1 level QB from what I've seen. What I did see from 1 pass thrown this year - he does not have arm strength or accuracy - or a spiral. That's based on 1 pass - so take it for what its worth, but I would imagine others were thinking similar thoughts after seeing that same pass.

As an aside, when I saw Chris Wallace play some as a sophomore in 1996, I figured the Rockets were going to really suck when he was named the starting QB for 1997. After that year, I was surprised he was not playing as a sophomore over Huzack (sp?). Could it be the same with Finn? I don't think so, but maybe...

Finn’s just a redshirt freshman. It’s a little early to determine how good he can be as a Junior or Senior.

(12-16-2020 08:54 AM)MotoRocket Wrote:  

(12-15-2020 10:27 PM)Somersetco Wrote:  Several times When Finn was pulled after only one play, the reaction on his face wasn’t very positive. If this years play doesn’t count, I would be very surprised to see Finn back in Toledo next fall. In reality I don’t think he is going to play very much, and I think he probably is thinking the same.

Absolutely agree. Does not look like a D-1 level QB from what I've seen. What I did see from 1 pass thrown this year - he does not have arm strength or accuracy - or a spiral. That's based on 1 pass - so take it for what its worth, but I would imagine others were thinking similar thoughts after seeing that same pass.

As an aside, when I saw Chris Wallace play some as a sophomore in 1996, I figured the Rockets were going to really suck when he was named the starting QB for 1997. After that year, I was surprised he was not playing as a sophomore over Huzack (sp?). Could it be the same with Finn? I don't think so, but maybe...

My first year with season tickets. I liked Wallace. Really wish we would get past this boring offense and start moving the ball. I want Spence back

I had forgotten about Spence.

he was the master of the bubble screen!

He was certainly less predictable. Did we actually have MORE talent then than now?

I looked at the OL that Hallett inherited when he arrived in 2016. Notable names and year.

Cameron Bell (RSFr)
Brandon Heidecker (RSFr)
Chandler Cotterman (Fr)
Brant Weiss (Jr.)
Bryce Harris (RSFr)
Storm Norton (Sr)
Nate Jeppeson (Jr)
Elijah Nkansah (Jr)
Yazeed Atariwa (So)
Paul Perschon (Sr)
Sami Kassem (Jr)
Mike Ebert (Sr)

All the underclassmen were instrumental in the solid 2017 team.

Guys brought in by Hallet (not sure when he arrived and if he recruited the 2016 OL):
From 2017 team:
Kelvin Ateman - played very little in 2020
Jordan Fair - not sure he played at all
Woodford Lankford - never heard of him
Luke Doerger (was a freshman in 2016, not sure if recruited by Hallett) Strong player
Mitch Berg - starter, injured for all of 2020
Kedonis Haslem - played very little, now gone from program

2018 adds:
Tyler Long - was starting in 2020 following injuries to Dumont and Berg
Josh Fenn - did not play in 2019 or 2020
Cameron Ervin - never heard of him
Brock Ruble - grad transfer for 1 year
Nick Rosi - starter as RS freshman and soph (2019 & 2020)
Lavel Dumont - named starter in 2020, injured and out for season during 1st game
Conor Head - supposed to be solid recruit. Gone from program.

2019 adds:
Parker Bisek - played in 2020 as RSFr. Short handed in 2020. Not or
Michael Bergen - on roster in 2020, didn't see him play much
Nick Carey - supposed top recruit (6-8; 300) - not on roster in 2020
Darius Alexander - great size, moved to DL in 2020.
Logan Whitson - local kid from Springfield; (6-7, 285) did not see him play much as RSFr
Dalton Andrews - local kid (Eastwood) with not much size (6-2, 265). First team all district in HS; Division 5

2020 Adds:
Tanner Wigand - 6-6 272 out of Wisconsin, RS in 2020
Jackson Stoefen - 6-4, 280 out of Iowa; 3-star rating. No. 11 ranked prospect in Iowa. First team all-district in class 3A
Vinny Sciury - 6-3, 285 from Massillon, Ohio. 3-star rating, First Team all-Ohio and team captain at Massillon Perry. Large school division
Seth Frantz - 6-3, 310 from Englewood, Ohio (Northmont). 5.7 40-yard; BP 340lbs; 2-time state qualifier as wrestler, pinned by returning 2019 and projected 2020 state champ (who pinned all his opponents and ranked top 5 nationally) in District Finals. Final record of 42-4, and ranked #6 heavyweight in Ohio.

Also had another grad transfer come in (Gurman) for 2020.

Seems we have seen a drop off in recruiting since the period before Hallett arrived. Tom Manning was the OL coach prior to Hallett, and he was also a Mount Union guy. Had Greg Mancz his entire time at UT, but did not recruit him. Also picked up Myers, Hendershot, and Lisowski who were all freshman prior to his arrival at UT. He brought in:

2012 Perchinske
2012 Wirth
2012 Kyle Cameron
2013 Troy Favorite
2013 Paul Pershon
2013 Tommy Brown
2013 James Henry
2013 Storm Norton
2013 Raymond Marlow
2014 Nate Jeppeson
2014 A. J. Bolden
2014 John Coy
2014 Matt Kancyan
2014 Elijah Nkansah
2015 Chandler Cotterman
2015 Brandon Heidecker
2015 Cameron Bell
2015 Ramone Miles

we've had a lot of misses on the OL - but,not sure if it is any worse than other coaching staffs have had in the past.

(12-16-2020 10:19 AM)IamN2daRockets! Wrote:  I had forgotten about Spence.

he was the master of the bubble screen!

He was certainly less predictable. Did we actually have MORE talent then than now?

I don’t know if we did. But the offense was more fun to watch.
I’m not sure is Spence is even coaching anymore